Law, how could a thief with a murderous streak, a twisted sense-of-humour and a painfully-undiagnosed mental health condition care for the safety and well-being of a young lad whose personality is clearly the polar opposite of his own?

And

Is this a Shipping thread?

No – this is not a Shipping thread…

Evidence for my claim lies within the chapters of the game itself - so don't mind me whilst I cite my "Fucking Sources"…

Exhibit B – Nate offers Russell the use of his only gun as an apology for his failure to provide him with covering fire earlier, and delivers on his promise to cover him more adequately in the future…http://youtu.be/5CGpgmAQUxo?t=9m23s

Exhibit E – Nate refers to Russell as his Boy for a second time if you choose to stay with him, and tries to comfort him after the violence that takes place soon after you do…http://youtu.be/oCS86JNZXhA?t=40s

@Crixus said: I don't think he cared for him at all,think he just seen a guy,was bored and said hey might have a bit of fun messing with this guy,any second Nate could just lose his shit and bash your head in.

@Crixus said: I don't think he cared for him at all,think he just seen a guy,was bored and said hey might have a bit of fun messing with this guy,any second Nate could just lose his shit and bash your head in.

Yeah.

I think either Nate wanted a lackey or 'minion', or like you said, just someone to mess with - probably both. He was sussing out Russ the entire time; testing him.

In saying that, there's no reason Nate couldn't also be a bit 'fond' of Russell.